Wow.
And so, our meeting with our social worker (J. D.) on Thursday went really, really well. We had most of our questions answered, and we learned some really interesting things about International Adoption from Korea.
Perhaps the most shocking news, something that I hadn't expected to hear given the research that we've done thus far, is how quickly this process could move for us, now that we've gotten started. Dave asked J.D. to give us a timeline and, at first, she was hesitant to answer, stating that she hates to tell families that they might be able to bring their baby home in, say, 6 months when the process actually takes a year. She told us that she would give us an extremely pessimistic estimate of time... 15 months.
Wow.
This surprised us both. Dave and I were both prepared to hear that it might be 2-3 years before we became a family of 5.
15 months.
At most.
Wow.
I can't tell you how excited we are.
J.D. said that most babies that are coming home to the United States right now from Korea are being referred at 5 months old and are arriving at about 12 months old. There are many more baby boys than baby girls available for adoption. Dave and I have decided not to voice a gender preference, figuring that it wasn't an option when we were waiting for either Theo or Emmett. If they need more homes for baby boys, ours is certainly ready.
I'm starting to think that, perhaps, God never intended for us to have a girl. I'm certain He has good reasons. If, however, He pulls a fast one on us and they send us photos of our daughter... we'll welcome her with open arms. (Dave and I asked Theo if he'd like a baby brother or a baby sister, and he told us, "A sister. I'll name her Shermie." (Quite certainly, after Max Lucado's Shermie, the worm.)
The next few months have background checks, interviews with personal and professional references, office visits with J.D., an educational requirement (which I still don't know very much about??) and a home study in store for us. Lots of paperwork, I am sure.
I am going to add a couple of new links to my favorites on the left.
Janiece is a local mom who, along with her husband Ted, has adopted 3 beautiful children. (Her oldest just happens to be in the same class as Gabe!) She was one of the moms who recommended J.D. and her agency to us, and I've been getting to know her via her own blogspot and through personal emails. Also, I'm adding a link to Adoption Advocates, Inc.
More to come, updates on Theo and Emmett, soon!!
boys are beyond the range of anybody's sure understanding, at least when they are between the ages of 18 months and 90 years. ~ james thurber
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Our Adoption Timeline
- December 23, 2009- Adoption Finalized.
- May 7th, 2009- Family circle complete in Madison.
- May 6th, 2009- Mama's got Rubin in Seoul.
- May 4th, 2009- meet Rubin
- April 23rd, 2009- Visa Interview
- April 22nd, 2009- TRAVEL CALL!!
- April 14th, 2009- Packet 3
- April 7th, 2009- NVC out
- April 1st 2009 (no foolin')- I171 received
- March 9th, 2009- I171H received
- February 27th, 2009- progress report from SWS
- February 24th, 2009- Fingerprinted at USIS
- February 19, 2009-Rubin's legals arrive in state.
- February 16, 2009- mailed referral acceptance.
- February 12, 2009- received referral paperwork.
- January 29, 2009- verbally accepted referral
- January 27, 2009- received unofficial referral.
- January 20, 2009- I600A received and filed with the Dept. of Homeland Security
- January 16, 2009- submitted I600A
- January 12, 2009- homestudy document complete.
- January 12, 2009-received Foster Home Licensing
- December 22, 2008- A.I.A.A. director approves application, establishes our file, and requests our homestudy documents from J.D.
- December 5, 2008- submitted Foster Licensing application.
- November 25, 2008- A.I.A.A. accepted official application.
- November 15, 2008- submitted formal application to A.I.A.A.
- November 13, 2008- final homestudy meeting.
- November 12, 2008- autobiographies completed.
- October 30, 2008- second homestudy meeting.
- October 22, 2008- received formal application from A.I.A.A.
- October 14, 2008- first homestudy meeting.
- October 1, 2008- submitted pre-application to Americans for International Adoption and Aid
- September 25, 2008- submitted application packet to Adoption Advocates, Inc.
- September 18, 2008- first meeting with social worker (J.D.)
- August 2008- decided to adopt
3 comments:
Coming from a family of just sisters and now the mom to 1 girl, 2 boys--I have to say boys are pretty awesome. I totally love my daughter (my little princess), but boys are sure a unique experience. And I'm not sure the princess could handle the competition! :) There is a need for boys too--that's why after Julia, I requested boys. And I'm learning all about hockey, football, and little boys with their climbing abilities!
i'm so eager to hear about this new journey. anticipating parenthood is so exciting.
I am so glad to be catching up on all of the excitement going on in your life! How incredible is itthat you could have a new little boy or GIRL ;) in your life so soon? Cannot wait to hear what is next for you guys. Love ya.
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